Tuesday, April 1, 2008

The Great Dolly Debate

I haven’t really engaged in this conversation earlier because, in all honesty, I have no idea what the contestants should sing. I love Dolly Parton, but I’m not familiar enough with her music to make educated guesses.

So let me start with what you won’t hear tonight. You won’t hear the re-arranged bluesy version of “9 to 5” that Chikezie had planned for us—which I’m a little disappointed about, by the way—unless another contestant scoops it up. I’m wondering if maybe Syesha should take a look at it.

But you know Syesha and Ramiele will be tempted to do “I Will Always Love You”—a big mistake for either of them. Personally, I think if we’re going to hear this one—and you know we will—whoever does it should go with the subtle Dolly version and not the bombastic Whitney version. I just hope someone reminds Randy that “Love” is actually Dolly’s song so he doesn’t stick his foot in his mouth.

I’m pretty sure we’ll hear “Jolene” and “Coat of Many Colors” as well but I’m not sure by who. And I think we’ll hear “Here You Come Again.” Actually, I can hear David Archuleta doing the Clay Aiken version of that song, which I think would score major points for him IF he gave Clay credit. If he didn’t, the Claymates would eat him alive.

And you can bet that we’ll hear “Islands in the Stream,” but probably not until tomorrow for the group sing.

Personally, I’m just super psyched to find out what David Cook is going to do. If there’s an obscure Dolly cover out there somewhere, he’ll find it. I just hope he or Ryan gives the arranger credit.

More importantly, though, is what Dolly is going to sing during her performance Wednesday night. I would LOVE to see Dolly do her cover of Fine Young Cannibals’ “She Drives Me Crazy” because it has hit written all over it and an “Idol” performance might actually force country radio to play it.

And I’ve got a great idea for a video if Dolly wants to give me a call…

Don’t forget that “Idol” is only an hour tonight (Woo-hoo!) beginning at 8 on FOX.